Clean and restore with care. If you've bought a pricey collectible, ask the dealer for advice about cleaning the surface. The patina that some materials, such as bronze, acquire over time is considered desirable; removing it could diminish the piece's value. No matter how valuable your piece is, find out whether the finish requires specialized cleaning products or methods to prevent damage. Pieces with significant wear and tear might need professional restoration to make them sparkle again.And finally, if you're skeptical about buying vintage lighting, you can go the next best route: reproductions. Companies such as Rejuvenation, Layla Grayce and Urban Archaeology, to name a few, carry a broad assortment of fixtures and lamps inspired by older models yet made with updated standards in mind.